Abstract
Nerve tumors are uncommon soft tissue neoplasms predominantly arising from peripheral
nerve sheath and Schwann cells. We review the manifestations of benign peripheral
nerve sheath tumors, concentrating on distinguishing imaging features of schwannomas
versus neurofibromas with an emphasis on treatment implications. Nevertheless, there
is often an overlap between the imaging presentation of these two conditions, making
the accurate radiologic diagnosis challenging. Therefore, tissue sampling is often
needed for a definitive histologic diagnosis. Treatment planning largely depends on
symptoms, location of the lesion, and underlying risk factors. Three major syndromes,
neurofibromatosis type 1, type 2, and schwannomatosis, predispose patients to peripheral
nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs), with particular concern about the malignant subtype expression.
In patients with suspected PNSTs, correlation of imaging findings with clinical findings
and genetic tests is helpful for a more accurate diagnosis and disease management.
Some imaging features on magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron
emission tomography can be helpful to differentiate malignant from benign subtypes.
Keywords
peripheral nerve sheath tumor - benign - malignant - neurofibromatosis - magnetic
resonance imaging
